Microsoft has announced the retirement of certain exams by 2023 to ensure that certifications remain up-to-date and relevant. Candidates should pay attention to their retirement dates and plan accordingly. Microsoft typically gives a one-year notice prior to retiring from an exam. Candidates who have not taken the exam before the retirement date will no longer be able to earn that specific certification. Microsoft offers a wide range of certifications and exams that cater to different roles in the industry.

Microsoft Exams Retired and Coming to Retire in 2023

Microsoft's Approach to Exam Retirement

Microsoft's rationale for retiring exams is rooted in the goal of providing candidates with the most current and industry-relevant certifications. This ensures that professionals possess the latest skills and knowledge demanded by the industry. Microsoft typically gives candidates a one-year notice prior to retiring an exam, allowing them sufficient time to prepare and attempt the exam before its retirement.

Key Considerations for Candidates

Candidates aspiring to earn a Microsoft certification should pay close attention to exams that are scheduled to retire. Once an exam is retired, it becomes unavailable, and candidates who have not taken the exam before the retirement date will no longer be able to earn that specific certification. For individuals who have already taken exams scheduled to retire, it is advisable to consider pursuing the next level of certification before the retirement date to ensure the validity of their certification.

1. Retirement Schedule: Microsoft provides advance notice of the retirement schedule, enabling candidates to plan accordingly. It is essential to stay updated with official Microsoft announcements or subscribe to newsletters to receive the latest information about upcoming retirements. This allows candidates ample time to prepare for and attempt the exams before the retirement date.
2. Retirement Date: The retirement date signifies the last day on which the exam will be available for registration or retake. After this date, the exam will no longer count toward achieving or renewing a specific certification. To ensure a smooth certification journey, it is crucial to plan your exam strategy and complete the necessary exams before the retirement date.
3. Transition Paths: Microsoft often introduces transition paths when retiring exams. These paths provide alternative options for candidates, such as newer exams or updated certifications that cover similar or updated content. Exploring these transition paths allows candidates to maintain their certification journey without disruptions, ensuring their skills and knowledge remain relevant.

Hot Microsoft Certifications and Exams

Microsoft provides a diverse range of certifications and exams, catering to the varied interests and expertise of candidates. Let's explore some of the popular Microsoft certifications and their corresponding exams:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

This certification is designed for candidates experienced in managing Azure resources. To achieve this certification, candidates must pass two exams: AZ-104, focusing on Azure administration, and AZ-400, focusing on Azure DevOps.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

Intended for candidates involved in developing and maintaining cloud-based applications, this certification requires passing two exams: AZ-204, emphasizing Azure development, and AZ-400, emphasizing Azure DevOps.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Geared towards candidates specializing in designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure, this certification mandates passing two exams: AZ-104, emphasizing Azure administration, and AZ-305, focusing on Azure solutions architecture.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate

For candidates aspiring to gain expertise in Azure data services and become certified Azure Data Engineers, this certification demands passing the DP-203 exam, which covers topics related to data engineering on Azure.

Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals

This certification is ideal for candidates seeking a foundational understanding of the Power Platform. To earn this certification, candidates need to pass the PL-900 exam, which assesses their knowledge of Power Platform components and their capabilities.

Conclusion

Microsoft's decision to retire exams reflects its commitment to offering certifications that align with the latest industry demands. Candidates pursuing Microsoft certifications should take note of the retirement dates and plan their exam strategy accordingly. By staying informed about retirement schedules, being aware of retirement dates, and exploring transition paths, candidates can adapt to these changes and ensure their certifications remain valid and valuable in the dynamic world of technology.